These 11 Purchases under $10 Greatly Improved my Productivity.
Here are 11 budget-friendly purchases under $10 that greatly improved my productivity in freelancing. From organizational tools to desktop accessories, these items will help you stay on task and increase your efficiency.
Let’s get started!
#1 A Weekly Planner (or bullet journal):
A paper weekly planner allows you to physically write down and organize your tasks and schedule. This is beneficial because it allows you to see your entire week at a glance, prioritize tasks, and make plans visually.
Additionally, using a physical planner can help you stay focused and motivated, and can serve as a reminder to stay on track with your goals. It also can be less distracting than a digital planner, which can be easy to multitask when you use it.
#2 A Notebook for Drafting:
Jotting down scattered thoughts can be a helpful way to declutter your mind and stay focused on your tasks. Also, it can help you to keep track of your ideas, tasks, and appointments, making sure nothing important falls through the cracks.
You can keep a notebook or a digital document close by. Having a dedicated place to write down your thoughts will make it more likely that you’ll actually do it.
Furthermore, you can also make jotting down your thoughts a regular part of your routine. For example, you could do it first thing in the morning, during breaks, or before bed.
#3 Candles:
Candles provide soft, ambient light that can help to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, making it easier to focus on work or study. Also, it helps to improve mood and create a sense of warmth and comfort.
#4 Water Bottle / A Nice Cup:
Adequate hydration is not only essential for maintaining physical performance, but improve cognitive function, including memory and attention, so staying hydrated can help to improve concentration, focus, and productivity.
I recommend starting the day off by drinking a glass of water, as your body is likely dehydrated after sleeping. Keeping water with you (such as using a bottle) will also help increase water intake.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, or a splash of fruit juice to give it some flavor, but avoid sugary drinks that can dehydrate you.
#5 An Alarm Clock:
An alarm clock on the table increases my consciousness on time, stay focused and get things done, increases mindfulness, and decreases the distraction of the phone.
Each morning, it also diminishes the fear that the phone alarm clock may occasionally not work.
#6 Lipsticks and/or Eyebrow Pencil:
Dressing up when working from home helps create a sense of professionalism and structure, which can increase productivity and focus. Additionally, it can help separate work life from home life, making it easier to mentally “leave work” at the end of the day.
We can wear business casual clothes, and I will put on simple makeup such as eyebrows and lipstick, which improve my self-confidence and overall mood.
#7 A Whiteboard or Corkboard:
Using a whiteboard or corkboard allows you to easily visualize and organize information in a flexible and adaptable way.
This can be useful for planning projects or breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Additionally, you can use whiteboards or corkboards to post reminders, goals, or other important information, which can help to keep you focused and motivated.
Whiteboards and corkboards also allow for easy collaboration and easy editing. You can easily erase or move around tasks and information as needed, which can be helpful when you need to make changes or adjust your plans.
#8 Sticky Notes:
Using sticky notes can be beneficial for productivity because they allow you to quickly capture and organize information in a way that is easy to see and access. Sticky notes can be used to write down tasks, ideas, or reminders, keeping us on track and ensuring that we don’t forget important information.
Additionally, sticky notes are small and portable, which makes them convenient to use. You can stick them on your computer monitor, in a notebook, or on a whiteboard or corkboard. This allows us to keep important information easily accessible and within view.
#9 Colored Pens or Highlighters:
Colored pens or highlighters can effectively help categorize and prioritize information. Different colors can be used to represent different types of tasks or information, such as using one color for work-related tasks, another color for personal tasks, and another color for deadlines.
#10 Desk Organizer:
A desk organizer keeps your workspace clean and organized, increasing productivity and reducing stress.; additionally, reducing fatigue and discomfort while working.
#11 A Personal Touch on the Table:
A small personal touch can be your family photo, a plant, artwork, a small sculpture, a motivation card, etc. Adding a personal touch to your working table creates a sense of ownership and personalization of your space, which increases feelings of comfort and motivation while working.
Additionally, it can make your work environment more visually appealing and pleasant, improving your overall mood and well-being.
For creative professionals, it can also serve as a source of inspiration and a way to reflect your personality and interests.
